Raisback Memorial Games

The heavyweight athletic games at the Radford Highlanders Festival have a reputation of being among the best on the East Coast. Competitors make RU a regular stop as they travel the game circuit each year. The games are an annual memorial to Tom Raisback of Lexington, Virginia, who was a driving force in starting the Radford Highlanders Festival as the athletic director for the first seven festivals.

"Tom's enthusiasm and eagerness to introduce others to the fun and diversity of the Scottish heritage remain a guiding principle for the Radford Highlanders Festival," said game director Don Bowman. "It is a pleasure to help continue his passion and a challenge to match his enthusiasm and good cheer."

David Strunk, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, and a longtime friend of Raisback, is the current athletic director. Strunk is a veteran Scottish athlete, judge and athlete who participated alongside Raisback in Scottish games for over 30 years.

"The Scottish games are just really unique," said Strunk. "There is a camaraderie between athletes like nothing else. Each athlete competes hard, yet they cooperate to help one another improve."

Strunk currently directs games in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and Georgia. Joining the Strunks on the field to run the Raisback Memorial Games at the Radford Highlanders Festival is Kirk Raisback, Tom's son, who has helped with each of the previous Radford games.

You'll want to come early and get a good seat on the risers. If you'd like to get an early start on your festival day, the athletes start warming up around 9 a.m. on Moffett Field. Plan to stay all day and see these competitors at their best!

To learn more about the heavyweight games or to compete, contact Don Bowman at (540) 831-5182 or e-mail dbowman@radford.edu.